You can probably spot (or more likely hear) us from a mile away. You might think my partner and I are putting on a silent show with our hand gestures and gritted teeth as we exchange the classic, “This is it. Never again!”—only it’s really the thousandth time we’ve declared that.
We scramble to tidy up the house in a frantic 10-minute dash before guests arrive, but just two minutes after we think it looks somewhat decent, it’s back to its usual chaotic state.
When we finally make it to church (and on a good day, we’re only a few minutes late), it seems like people are waiting for the “entertainment” to walk through the door. Yep, we’re those folks.
Our laundry process usually involves the dryer running multiple extra cycles to “re” fluff clothes that have been sitting there for, wait… what day is it again?
At the grocery store, mall, amusement park—wherever we go—you can bet we’re the ones with two shopping carts and a double stroller. Trust me, nobody enjoys sharing space with the lady maneuvering that double stroller while kids dart around in every direction.
Sleep? What’s that? It’s been seven years since we’ve had a good night’s rest, and it looks like we’re in for at least another seven. We can barely fit in our vehicle, and whether it’s a day trip or an overnight journey, we haul along a dozen bags just to survive. But if something is missing, we can probably find an extra sock or two, a few shoes, and even a sippy cup hidden in the most unexpected places of our car.
As our family continues to grow, we’ve received fewer invitations to gatherings, and people’s patience for our delightful circus seems to be dwindling. We stockpile enough food and toiletries to support a small army, yet somehow, mere days post-shopping spree, we find ourselves needing to restock on essentials like paper towels, toilet paper, diapers, or wipes.
Meal times are a delightful mix of chaos, with someone crying, another screaming, and one child breaking out into an impromptu dance in the middle of the kitchen. It’s always a whirlwind, and that’s just how we roll 23 hours a day, 6 1/2 days a week.
You can usually catch me racing around the house, nursing a baby in one arm, while using my “free” hand to chase after two toddlers, all while another kiddo calls for me from somewhere else. The dog’s barking, someone’s knocking at the door, the phone’s ringing, and the smoke alarm is blaring from my latest cooking attempt. This isn’t just a scene from a sitcom—it’s our reality. We truly are those people.
Our bed is far too small for the whole family, as no one wants to sleep alone. Snack time seems to occur around the clock, and when we visit someone else’s home, it looks like we haven’t fed our kids in ages. With them all under six, I can only imagine the chaos when they hit their teenage years.
I won’t hide my excitement for pizza night every Friday, nor will I shy away from admitting that I love our paper plates more than any fancy dishware we own.
We work hard, we play hard, we fight hard, but our love runs even deeper. Yes, we’re that family—the wonderfully chaotic one I’ve always dreamt of having.
Truth be told, I wouldn’t change a thing. We’re a little crazy. We lost our sanity long ago, and while we’re utterly exhausted, we’re even more in love with the beautiful chaos that is our family. So, the next time you hear the infamous eye roll or catch whispers just loud enough for you to hear, remember: you might just be doing something right.
For more insights on navigating family life and tips on home insemination, check out this post on home insemination kits. If you’re curious about artificial insemination, Make a Mom is a fantastic resource. For further information on pregnancy, visit UCSF’s IVF page.
In summary, we embrace the beautiful chaos of our busy family life, and while we may not fit the mold of a “normal” family, we wouldn’t trade our adventures for anything.